What is a Short-Term Rental?

A short-term residential rental unit is a residential dwelling unit or portion thereof rented or otherwise used for residential transient occupancy, as defined in § 14.0203. Short-term rentals are only allowed in the Mountain and Desert Regions in the Rural Living (RL) and Single Residential (RS) land-use zoning designations. A short-term residential rental unit shall not be used for any commercial activity, which includes but is not limited to weddings, wedding receptions, corporate retreats, business meetings or conferences, filming photography shoots, a fraternity party, or any other similar gathering, unless regulated under an approved County-issued permit. Transient occupancy generally means occupancy for 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

Short-term residential rental unit permit is required. The permits are issued by Code Enforcement.

Some Short-Term Rental Restrictions:

  • Limitation of occupants and vehicles.
  • The owner/manager must provide a 24 hour phone number for complaint resolution.
  • Compliance with relevant Fire, Building, Zoning and Health and Safety Codes.
Getting Started

Information and videos to help owners apply

Short-Term Renter Information

Must read information for the Short-Term Renter

San Bernardino County, California Code of Ordinances

Ordinances that impact owners of Short-term Rentals

Structures allowed as short-term rentals

  • checkedA single family dwelling
  • checkedDuplex
  • checkedA room in a dwelling
  • checkedGuest house
  • checkedSome accessory dwelling units (ADU)

Structures not allowed

  • crossedMulti-family structures (apartments)
  • crossedYurts
  • crossedTravel trailers
  • crossedRVs

San Bernardino County, California Code of Ordinances

Proposed Changes

The Land Use Services Department continuously works to address concerns regarding the County’s existing Short-Term Residential Rental Ordinance, including permit requirements. The proposed amendments seek to address issues that have been raised. If you wish to provide feedback, please email your comments to PlanningCommissionComments@lus.sbcounty.gov